If the call of the cuckoo is the first sign of spring, then warnings from law firms about the dangers of office parties must signify that Christmas is round the corner. Cheshire firm SAS Daniels is first off the blocks this year, press releasing that it 'has been inundated by requests for £150-an-hour professional advice... on booking Christmas parties'. Apparently, the new age discrimination legislation has got businesses in a tizzy over the sort of party they arrange or book. They are fearful that late-night clubbing could offend older members of staff, 'but a quieter afternoon meal in a restaurant could upset the younger members of the team'. The firm, which is not charging clients for its advice, sensibly tells us neither to do anything too extreme nor to assume what people will or will not like. Anyway, you have been warned - you have fewer than eight weeks to buy presents.